Movable Magnet Cell Separator with Motorized Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating biological cells from fluid samples are inefficient in isolating specific cell types and often result in contamination due to the inability to effectively manage magnetic fields and flushing processes.
Innovation Solution
A disposable kit and device that includes a separator tube with a magnetically controlled flow channel, pinch valves, and a motorized drive unit to manage the magnetic field and facilitate the separation and flushing of cells, allowing for the isolation of specific cell types and minimizing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a magnet is used to separate magnetic cells from non-magnetic cells in a flow channel, then cell separation efficiency is improved, but magnetic field management becomes complex and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is made movable along the flow channel through a motorized drive unit, allowing dynamic adjustment of magnetic field position. This enables the system to optimize separation at specific locations while facilitating flushing operations by moving the magnet away from certain zones, thereby managing complexity through controlled motion rather than static complex architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel is effectively segmented into different functional zones by the movable magnet's position - a separation zone where magnetic cells are captured and a flushing zone where non-magnetic cells can be cleared. This spatial segmentation allows independent management of separation and flushing processes, reducing overall system complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flushing fluid is used to remove cells from the flow channel, then contamination is reduced, but the flushing process becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control through vacuum ports connected to pumps that monitor and regulate flushing fluid flow. The vacuum pressure feedback allows precise control of flushing rate and timing, enabling operators to clear contamination effectively while maintaining control over the flushing process
Solution Approach 2:
A vacuum system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the flushing process. Instead of directly controlling flushing fluid flow, the operator controls vacuum pressure which indirectly regulates flushing, providing smoother and more controllable cell removal from the flow channel
3Productivity
If the magnet is moved along the flow channel to facilitate flushing, then cell collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized drive unit serving the magnet serves multiple functions: it positions the magnet for separation, moves it to facilitate flushing, and can be integrated with the pump control system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating control mechanisms rather than requiring separate systems for each operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the position parameter of the magnet along the flow channel to achieve different operational modes. By controlling the magnet's position rather than redesigning the entire system for each mode, the patent achieves versatile cell collection and flushing capabilities with relatively simple actuation mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient separation and collection of biological cells by controlling the magnetic field and flushing process, reducing contamination and improving the purity of the separated cells.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet, which receives a biological sample to be separated into magnetic and non-magnetic cells
Implementation Method 2
a pump, in fluid communication with the separator tube, to apply a vacuum to draw a buffer fluid into the separator tube
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable kit for use in directing fluid through a biological cell separator device (10). The kit generally includes a separator tube (22), a buffer fluid container (34), cell sample container (32), separated cell container (60), and flushing fluid container (62), as well as various conduits (36, 38, 42, 50, 50a, 50b) for connecting the containers (32, 34, 60, 62) and separator tube (22) in fluid communication together. A cell separator system is provided including a separator tube (22), magnet (20), pump (120) and a motorized drive unit (96). The motorized drive unit (96) is operatively connected to the magnet (20) to allow the magnet (20) to be moved a sufficient distance away from the separator tube (22) so as to allow cells adhered to the inside surface thereof to be flushed out of the tube (22).